What is the chemical formula for barium nitride?

Barium nitride is formed when barium (Ba) combines with nitrogen (N). Barium typically has a +2 oxidation state as it is an alkaline earth metal, while nitrogen typically has a -3 oxidation state as a nitride ion.

To determine the formula of barium nitride, you need to balance the charges of the barium and nitrogen ions. One barium ion with a +2 charge will combine with enough nitride ions to balance this charge. Since each nitride ion has a charge of -3, two barium ions (2 x +2 = +4) would require three nitride ions (3 x -3 = -9) to achieve charge balance.

However, to create a neutral compound, one barium ion will combine with three nitride ions. Thus, one barium ion and three nitride ions will give a net charge of zero when combined in a specific ratio. The simplest whole number ratio that achieves electrical neutrality is three barium ions and two nitride ions, resulting in the formula Ba3N2.

This correctly represents the ratio of barium to nitrogen in barium nitride, confirming that Ba3N2 is the correct chemical formula.